13 Reasons Why’s Original Ending Left Hannah Baker Alive

13 Reasons Why is based around one major plot point: Hannah Baker kills herself. This isn't a spoiler or a major reveal, because you find out about it right at the beginning of the book.

But that wasn’t always author Jay Asher’s intention, now revealing in the 10th anniversary edition print that Hannah actually survived in the original ending.

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WHAT?! Jay explains that instead Hannah attempted to kill herself by swallowing pills but was saved when her parents got home, then rushed to the hospital where she has her stomach pumped.

“I liked the idea of ‘We’ve learned something from this. And yet, here’s a second chance,'” says Asher.

“Knowing as well that it was going to be difficult when Hannah went back to school to have to deal with those kids. It’s not like everything’s smooth now. In fact, it might be even tenser for her. But now there’s Clay, who’s going to be upfront that he’s there for her.”

But he soon realised that this just wouldn't have the same effect.

“Out of seriousness for the issue, we realized we can’t go there,” he explains.

“No matter that there were missed opportunities for her. Those opportunities aren’t there if you do this. Once I realized that the message of the story would be stronger and that it would definitely be more of a cautionary tale.

“I felt that was definitely the way to go. That’s why Skye’s character made a reappearance, which was cool to see her have a bigger role throughout the TV series.”

Okay, well when he puts it like that it does actually make a lot of sense.

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